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NOTE: This is an old issue of the Brushwood Gulch Gazette, which has been archived for reference purposes. Although some links have been updated, the text of this archived newsletter remains unchanged. Please keep in mind that these articles have NOT been updated to reflect changes that may have occurred since they were originally printed. Return to the index of archived issues. |
The next Way Out West Tent meeting will take place at the Mayflower Club on July 26th. This will be our third annual video meeting, featuring rare and unusual items not available on film. We will begin by showing all 106 Laurel & Hardy films in two minutes (you'll have to show up to see what we mean).
The video program will include a longer version of the feature film Pack Up Your Troubles, including a number of scenes usually cut from standard 16mm prints. We will also see a restored version of the featurette Beau Hunks. Other short surprises will be included throughout the video.
Our guest will be actor Burr Middleton, who is the grandson of Laurel & Hardy co-star Charles Middleton. Charles Middleton appeared in four films with the Boys, including both Pack Up Your Troubles and Beau Hunks. Between the films, we will enjoy a discussion with Burr about his grandfather.
To round out the evening, there will be cake and a raffle. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the meeting will begin at 7:15 PM. The "Fabulous Fisher Franks" hot dogs will be on sale in the kitchen, and drinks will be available from the Mayflower Bar. The Mayflower Club is located at 11110 Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood. We'll see you July 26th!
Click here for a map to the Mayflower Club...
Over the years, Jay Dare became one of the most loyal members of the Way Out West Tent. He first joined us at the international Sons of the Desert convention in 1980. From that time forward, Jay attended just about every Way Out West meeting. Jay Dare passed away on May 11, 2005. He was 94.
Jay Dare worked as a sketch artist, set dresser, and costumer at a number of motion picture studios. From 1939-1941, Jay was a set dresser at the Hal Roach Studios. Jay Dare worked at 20th Century Fox from 1942-1944, serving as a sketch artist and later as Laurel & Hardy's costumer in The Dancing Masters and The Bullfighters. Jay delighted in remembering his encounter with Ronald Reagan while working on Winged Victory at Fox. In 1936, Jay even had a speaking part in the film A Star is Born.
Since our last meeting, several new books and videos have become available. A new book entitled A History of the Hal Roach Studios provides a historical overview of the "Lot of Fun." It was written by former Way Out West Member Richard Ward and is 288 pages. Another new book called Images of America: Culver City tells the history of downtown Culver City, which was used as a backdrop in many early Laurel & Hardy films. The author is Culver City historian Julie Lugo Cerra and the book is 128 pages. Both books are available from Amazon.com.
The Laurel & Hardy Collection Vol. II contains three of the Boys' best films: Way Out West, Block-Heads, and Chickens Come Home. This DVD is available now in North America.
In the recent television program AFI's 100 years...100 Movie Quotes, Oliver Hardy came in at number 60, with his quote, "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!" The quote was identified as being from Sons of the Desert. The American Film Institute previously included Sons of the Desert in their program 100 Years...100 Laughs.
A 16mm print of the film Brats sold on eBay for $713.99 last month. The price skyrocketed as the film was said to contain the original 1930 musical score, which was replaced when the film was reissued in 1937. While the original soundtrack has been restored on some recent video releases, it is rare to find a film print with the original music.
The house used for exterior filming in the movie Wrong Again became the set for the television program Beauty and the Geek. The reality/game-show appeared on the WB Network in June and July. Way Out West member Ken Runyan visited the set one day and got an up close look at the usually hard to see mansion, which is located behind a large hedge and security gates.
The Alex Film Society will host its 6th annual "Vaudeville Extravaganza" at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on September 17th, 2005. The program will include a number of live Vaudeville acts and a screening of Laurel & Hardy's Tit For Tat. Tickets are $19.50 and are available by calling (818) 754-8250.
Long time Way Out West Tent member Jim Bailey passed away earlier this year. He had been a member of the tent since the early days, and was a great fan of Laurel & Hardy.
The June Way Out West Tent meeting included appearances by special guests Marcia Mae Jones and Edith Fellows. Both recalled their memories as members of Our Gang. Marcia Mae Jones spoke of her work with Shirley Temple, and Edith Fellows recalled working with W.C. Fields. Our Gang's Mush and Milk was screened, which featured both actresses.
Stan Laurel's birthday was celebrated with a birthday cake, and his career was highlighted with a film program which included Night Owls, Hog Wild, Another Fine Mess, and the pre-Oliver Hardy solo film Collars and Cuffs. There was also a raffle.
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Alice Cooke | |
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Bill Patterson |
Founding Shiek of Way Out West Tent |
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Harvey Wasden |
Roach Studios Crew Member |
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Sons of the Desert founding member | |
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Our Gang | |
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Film Editor | |
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Roach Studios Prop Department | |
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Julie Bishop (Jacqueline Wells) | |
Grandson of L&H Co-Star & Rare Videos in
July